Fraud-hit youth football club saved by donations

A youth football club left with less than £1 after its account was emptied in a suspected fraud has recovered the £30,000 lost through an online appeal, boosted by a £10,000 donation from a local firm.

Andover Town YFC said it found the money had gone from its account in mid-December.

The club, a registered charity run by volunteers that supports about 140 local children, started an online appeal and held a fundraising football match to help replenish its accounts.

Hundreds donated to help, with a local engineering firm pledging the large amount on Wednesday, taking the total to date to more than £32,500 which the club said had secured its future.

Thanking those who had donated for their "kindness and support", the club said: "Reaching £30,000 is an overwhelming show of belief in Andover Town Youth.

"The whole Andover community has pulled together, showing what grassroots football is really about: belonging, wellbeing and safe spaces for young people."

Pledging £10,000 to the online appeal, Andover firm, Perfect Bore said: "Hopefully this will help you bounce back stronger."

Director William Laughton said the company was "honoured" to be able to support the club.

"We hope that Andover Town Youth Football Club can carry out activities as normal and finish the season on a high," he said.

"As part of this donation, we will be looking to spend some time with the club and supporting the teams from the sidelines.

"The club has also asked if we would like to help with the giving of the awards at the end of the season and this will be an honour."

Chairman Nick Stephens said there was "anger" and "despair" at the club after finding it had 95p left in its account.

The club requires funds for day-to-day expenses including astroturf pitch hire, equipment and refereeing costs.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said a woman in her 30s from Hampshire had been arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation.

The force said she was released on police bail until 30 March pending further inquiries.

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